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North American Herb & Spice: 2016 Science of Supplements


North American Herb & Spice

13900 W. Polo Trail Dr.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: (800) 243-5242 • Fax: (847) 473-4780
Email: info@p-73.com
Website: www.northamericanherbandspice.com

Beta-caryophyllene: Key to Better Health

Since the 1800s, or prior, extracts of hemp, known as cannabis extracts, have been used as medicines for human benefit. Such extracts were official in the U.S. Pharmacopeia as late as the 1920s. Hemp is synonymous with cannabis. It is one of the most nutritionally dense of all foods, being exceedingly rich in vitamins and minerals as well as protein.

Yet, besides its nutritional powers there is much value with hemp as a therapeutic plant. The therapeutic powers are largely the result of essential fatty acids and its dense content of novel compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabis is also a rich source of highly biologically active compounds known as terpenes. In fact, cannabinoids are terpenes. Key terpenes in hemp extract include pinene, limonene, linalool and beta-carophyllene. While the focus has been on the cannabidial or CBD, it appears the beta-caryophyllene is the most crucial of all dietary cannabinoids for supporting human health, including the health of the nervous system.

Other sources of this novel compound include basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, hops, cinnamon and clove. Beta-caryophyllene is perhaps the most potent of them, accounting for up to 60 percent of the terpene fraction. This substance is itself a cannabinoid, perhaps the most powerful type known.

Consider the work of a team of investigators with United Arab Emirates University. It was these investigators who determined that rather than cannabidial or THC, it is the highly complex, sophisticated Beta-caryophyllene, which is the premier hemp-source antianxiety and antidepressive agent. Published in the Journal of Physiology & Behavior, they determined that the molecule has significant antidepressant actions and is also highly potent in reversing anxiety. These effects were a direct consequence of the action of Beta-caryophyllene on the brain’s CB2 receptors. The results were held as highly significant.

Noted researchers from ETH Zurich and Bonn University determined that Beta-caryophyllene has “largely been ignored.” In fact, according to one of the lead investigators of this group, J. Gertsch, no one knew about it until, incredibly, 2008. Yet, it has now been found in scientific studies to exact “remarkable pharmacological effects.” One such pharmacological effect as determined by the Zurich and Bonn researchers is its antiinflammatory actions.

Gertsch, for instance, makes a most crucial point. The molecule has a highly different structure than any of the other cannabinoids, being a novel phenol-based terpene. Investigators determined that this substance may well be the most crucial and powerful of all cannabinoids. This was by demonstrating, categorically, that Beta-caryophyllene directly attaches to CB2 receptor sites. In their study they induced inflammation in mice in a standard medical procedure where the paws are caused to become swollen and inflamed, beta-carophyllene was administered, and the results were astounding. The swelling was reduced by some 70 percent. This action was proven to be directly due to the binding of the molecule on the endocannabinoid CB2 receptors. Yet, incredibly, it also works independently of such sites as a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.

It is reasonable to say that the investigators were fully astounded by the powers of this substance. Gertsch, for instance, found the actions of beta-caryophyllene to be so impressive that he believes that it will eventually be turned into a drug-like substance, in this case to “heal certain forms of inflammation.” The animal tests were so impressive that he also indicated that it will be instrumental in the treatment of chronic illness, including arthritis, hardening of the arteries, and even cirrhosis of the liver.

A recent study has determined that the key hemp ingredient beta-caryophyllene is a potent, lifespan-promoting agent. The test model for longevity involves a tiny worm, the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. This small worm has been studied for years, because scientists can use it to model the potential for humans. In this breaking study the compound’s ability to reduce stress is sufficiently powerful to increase the lifespan of this test worm, which means it has potential for human beings.

It all demonstrates the ultimate power of nature and also the innate powers of the human body. No wonder the health-giving properties of hemp, oregano, basil, hops, rosemary and black pepper, the densest sources of beta-caryophyllene, are so legion.

Seek hemp-based supplements rich in this substance, especially those which are CO2 extracted. Raw CO2 extracts of organic hemp stalks are highly potent, more so than heat or solvent-treated forms. Moreover, for optimal synergy and therapeutic powers, such hemp extracts can be fortified with other CO2 complexes such as extracts of wild oregano, hops, cinnamon, and black pepper. Hempanol, a raw CO2 hemp and wild oregano extract is now available in sublingual drops and gelcaps.

References:

Amine B., et al. 2014, B-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice. J. Physiology & Behavior, Volume 135.

Gertsch, J., M. Raduner, S. Racz, I., and J. Chen, et al. 2008. Beta-Caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 105:9099-9104.

Pant, a>, et al.2014. Beta-caryophyllene modulates expression of stress response genes and mediates longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exp. Gerontol 57:81-95.doi:10.1016.

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